Saturday, August 25, 2012

Being a sober role model

I feel removed from alcoholism right now. Usually I feel
that little tugging that reminds me that I have to be diligent against
drinking. I am not delusional into
thinking that I am no longer an alcoholic, I know that I will always be. But right now it just feels different.

My life has improved significantly since I quit drinking.
Now I cannot imagine why I spent so much time drinking myself to sleep. I am
enjoying a remarkable relationship with my kids. I know that if I was in my previous
routine I would not be spending as much quality time with them.

We are all healing emotionally from being apart the past
year. They went through some
difficulties while I was gone and it is wonderful to see them gain self
confidence and to see them show their wonderful personalities. I feel like I
really am a good role model for them now. I had a conversation with my daughter
(who will be off to college next year) and we started talking about drinking
and how being drunk in college can increase her chances of being sexually assaulted.
I was able, for the first time in my life, to say, “well, you see me that me
and your step-father don’t drink, and we have a great time.” She said “yeah, I know!”
It transformed my feelings of being an
alcoholic to a sober role model. Amazing.